The dresses showcased outside Top Fashion on 118 Avenue are bright and fresh.

They draw the passerby into a shop crowded with stylish designs. Women, men, and children find unique offerings from across Africa. Choose ready-made wear, order customized versions, or buy lengths of fabric to sew at home. There are many choices.

Owner Stephen Omoruyi and his wife, Nyasha Omoruyi, started selling African movies and CDs in 2007. By 2010, the store had transitioned to traditional African dress, reflecting Stephen’s Nigerian homeland.

Nyasha, a knowledgeable salesperson, is from St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean. “We are always getting new things,” she says. “Prints always change. There are always new trends. But we have classic patterns as well. Older people come in and know the prints from a long time ago, from Ghana, for example, and other African countries.”

Some lengths of cotton cloth are wax block prints created in Holland. All are stunningly attractive, often with distinctive colour combinations. Wash in cold water and hang to dry, Nyasha suggests.

Buyers can wear any print they choose for any occasion. Weddings, graduations, funerals, baby naming ceremonies, and church are prime examples. Head coverings, bags, shoes, and jewelry are also available.

The children’s outfits made me wish I had a handy grandchild to dress up. Playful and unique, the dresses and shirts will make any child stand out.

Stephanie Hubbard, a nutrition advisor at Polar Bear Health & Water, a few doors away, loves the “energy-invoking clothes” from Top Fashion. “The clothes are charisma with colour. I have one of their dresses that just lightens my mood. Both men and women appreciate bright colours that make the wearer feel vibrant,” she says. 

Sihem Market Convenience Store also features African fashions. Aman Okb, the owner from East Africa, has focused on relaxed fashions and popular sportswear for adults and children. Two-piece tracksuits offer comfort and casual style. Popular hats and T-shirts round out the look.

Red, blue, white, and black sneakers are displayed behind the counter. At the higher end, are Jordan 23 and Jordan Jumpman versions. “Puma brand offerings sell under $200,” notes Okb. Among other offerings, the enterprising entrepreneur provides African food staples, U-Haul rentals, card lamination, and snack items.

Although not African in scope, don’t miss the jewelry selections at the Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse. Edwin Aquino recently took over multiple roles: artisan, gallery, and workshop coordinator. One hundred percent of sales of AllOne Jewelry help to support women and children from Alberta, Kenya, Congo, Cuba, Rwanda, and Thailand.

STORE LOCATIONS

Top Fashion, 9338 118 Ave

Sihem Market, 7919 118 Ave

The Carrot Coffeehouse, 9351 118 Ave

Constance Brissenden is an experienced presenter, writer, editor, and historian living in Cromdale. She is co-author of nine award-winning books by Cree author Larry Loyie (1933-2016), in addition to more than 20 books of history and travel.